Claterbos tells us that Matthias Meindl, on leaving the Vienna clock-making school in 1888/1889 was rewarded with 20 florin from the Archduke Karl Ludwig Stiftung, and, in 1895/96 he received a silver medal from the Lower Austria Board of Trade. It is apparent both from the honors he received, as well as the phenomenal quality of this clock, that Matthias was a respected and gifted maker.

As discussed elsewhere in this auction catalog/website, Precision Regulators are the epitome of mechanical timekeepers. The primary factor in controlling the rate of a clock is the length of the pendulum: Variation in the length of pendulum rods must be eliminated to achieve precise timekeeping. The problem is, a clock with a steel pendulum rod which runs correctly at 60ºF would run slow by 5 seconds a day at 80ºF. George Graham demonstrated in 1715 a method of compensating for the change in length of a steel rod through the use of mercury. The lengthening of a steel pendulum rod with increased temperature lowers the pendulum's center or gravity or “vibrating point”. However, in a mercury compensating pendulum, the mercury, as it fills a larger part of the glass container due to its expansion, lifts its center of gravity, thereby compensating for the lowering due to the lengthening of the pendulum rod.

And this piece, probably predating the development of Invar in the mid-1890's, has all the features that make precision regulators so very special: The jeweled pallets, the jeweled pivots for the anchor, the escape wheel and the first train wheel, hardened brass bushings for the remaining three train wheels, maintaining power, mercury temperature compensated pendulum, a silvered Astronomical Regulator dial that is in excellent condition, wall stabilizers at each corner of the case, each with its own locking nut... As if all of this is not enough, please note the balance mechanism that engages the crutch pin. If the pendulum is jarred it will disengage from the mechanism to prevent damage to the pallets or escape wheel! (In the pictures there is a tooth-pick holding the lever up on the release mechanism - normally only the counter balance would hold the arm against the crutch pin.)

In addition to the technical perfection of the mechanics of this clock, the case is in lovely condition with the feel of a piece that has been used and cared for - no sharp edges, just lovely hand rubbed warmth of a cherished antique. The glass is all beveled with the exception of the round upper door window, which looks to be later. And both doors have their original door locks, both of which work with the provided key.

Quality European clocks made toward the end of the nineteenth and the early part of the twentieth centuries were exceptionally well made, giving us cases that are, like this one, made of solid wood. The case is beautifully finished inside and out and in excellent condition: Even the wooden trips holding in the glass are perfectly finished.

Note too the 5-spoke pulley, frosted glass mercury jars, and the lovely condition of the pendulum/rod/pulley and weight. As you can see, the jars are empty - I will be happy to provide clean mercury to fill them.